Variety first reported on Dec. 15 that the actor was is in early talks to play the father to Chris Pratt’s Starlord. Gunn made the casting official Wednesday on Facebook, writing “My favorite movie as a small child was ‘The Strongest Man in the World,’ so I’m glad to announce that, yes, Kurt Russell has joined our cast and, yes, he is more awesome a dude than I ever could have imagined.”

Gunn also announced that Elizabeth Debicki (“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”) and Chris Sullivan (“The Knick”) have joined the cast in undisclosed roles. “Oldboy” actress Pom Klementieff also recently came onboard the film.

Principal photography began on the film at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Kevin Feige is producing with Gunn also writing the latest draft. The movie is set to bow on May 5, 2017.

Plot details are unknown at this time, but sources have indicated that Russell will play Pratt’s mysterious father figure. It is also unclear whether the character will be someone of major significance in the Marvel universe.

After taking some time off, Russell has made a recent resurgence with major roles in “Furious 7,” “The Hateful Eight” and the upcoming Pete Berg action pic “Deepwater Horizon.” He is expected to reprise his role in the next installment of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, which shoots next spring.

Besides “The Hateful Eight,” he can also be seen in the western horror movie “Bone Tomahawk.” He is repped by CAA and RPMedia.